Bass Guitars in Orchestra's?

[doctormoose87]

Hey all

Hope your well in whichever part of the world you in.

I was watching the new Tim Minchin dvd, the one with the orchestra, and saw that there was a chap playing a bass guitar. Now normally when I think of the bass sections of an orchestra I think of cellos, tuba's etc and was surprised to see a bassist.

I was just wondering how often orchestra's play with a bassist as well as a bass section and if there is much call/need to have one.

Anyone have any clues?

[Stilettoprefer]

Very many (it's pretty safe to say pretty much all) have a bassist. Usually (almost always) an upright. I have played electric with my schools orchestra, but there was a song that specifically called for an electric bass.

[Howlin' Hanson]

Most of the standard symphonic compositions (written B.L.--before Leo) were written with double bass in mind. Unless the room acoustics are so bad that double basses can't be heard, most conductors will prefer double bass. Some student orchestras may not be able to afford double basses, so electric could substitute...but that's more common in student jazz ensembles.

Practicing symphonic compositions is good for electric players, though. Play Bach and you could be ready for most anything: BassBooks.com - Your Ultimate Online Resource of Educational Material for the Bass Guitar - J.S. BACH FOR ELECTRIC BASS - W/ CD

[doctormoose87]

Thanks guys.

My next question was going to be if anyone knew of anything that I could study to have a go at

[Howlin' Hanson]

Bassbooks.com has several other classical transcription books for electric bass. Poke around their site. Good luck!

[Stilettoprefer]

heres a free tab/sheet music version of the prelude no.1 cello suites by bach.

i'm studying this one. its pretty challenging to say the least haha. and yes, it is arranged for bass guitar

EDIT: forgot the link:P http://www.swensongs.com/bachpreludeinc.pdf

[Journey55]

Originally Posted by Stilettoprefer

heres a free tab/sheet music version of the prelude no.1 cello suites by bach.

i'm studying this one. its pretty challenging to say the least haha.

EDIT: forgot the link:P http://www.swensongs.com/bachpreludeinc.pdf

If you don't mind me asking, what's the BPM?

[Stilettoprefer]

Originally Posted by Journey55

If you don't mind me asking, what's the BPM?

not a clue haha. search for videos on youtube and theres a bunch of different speeds.

i'm trying to achieve this speed: Bach Cello Suite 1 Prelude BWV1007 Bono Bass Solo - YouTube

[Munjibunga]

Almost every pit orchestra I've seen at Broadway-style shows has a bass guitarist.

[Tituscrow]

Tim Minchin is an absolute genius.

[gumbynotpokey]

Originally Posted by doctormoose87

Hey all

Hope your well in whichever part of the world you in.

I was watching the new Tim Minchin dvd, the one with the orchestra, and saw that there was a chap playing a bass guitar. Now normally when I think of the bass sections of an orchestra I think of cellos, tuba's etc and was surprised to see a bassist.

I was just wondering how often orchestra's play with a bassist as well as a bass section and if there is much call/need to have one.

Anyone have any clues?

Saw an orchestra recently and watched the bass violas for a while. It occurred to me there should be the First Basses and Second Basses, as with violins. But then again, consider the source.

[Munjibunga]

Originally Posted by gumbynotpokey

Saw an orchestra recently and watched the bass violas for a while. It occurred to me there should be the First Basses and Second Basses, as with violins. But then again, consider the source.

Could you ever get to third bass?

[fdeck]

Orchestras have occasional use for instruments such as saxaphone and electric bass, but don't retain those players full time. A friend of mine gets occasional calls to play orchestral sax parts. Note that most upright players also play electric.